Cajun chicken with rice

A light, flavorful southern dish that packs the Cajun flavor with rice. You create the spiciness

A lively Cajun Chicken dish with rice, showcasing a vibrant blend of spices, peppers, and celery cooked in a skillet.

with how much cayenne pepper you like.

TOTAL TIME:         70 minutes

Marinate:                     30 minutes

Prep time:                    15 minutes      

Cooking time:             40

CUISINE:                  Cajun

Meal:                           Dinner

Guests:                        4

Ingredients

Spice Mixture:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

·         2 teaspoons paprika

• 2 teaspoon ground coriander

·         1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

·         1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

·         1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Rice and Chicken

·         1 cup Rice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/3 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 1/3 cup chopped bell pepper

• 3 garlic cloves

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth

INSTRUCTIONS

1.      Preheat:  oven to 400°.

2.      Rice: Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. drain when ready to use. While rice soaks, prep the rest of the dish.

3.      Spice Mix: Mix cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowel.

4.      Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Dip the chicken into the spice mixture, making sure the chicken is fully covered with spice mixture. Set off to the side. If there is any spice mix left over, save as we’ll mix it in with the rest of the dish later.

5.      While the rice and chicken are doing their thing, prep the rest of the dish.

6.      Cooking: When the rice is done soaking, or you’re just ready to finish cooking, in a large oven proof skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the chicken. Cook each side for about 3 or 4 minutes. Remove chicken place on a plate. Set aside.

7.      Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed and add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper.  Sauté 4 minutes. Add the garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or so.

8.      Chicken broth: Add 2 cups chicken broth and salt and pepper for taste. If there is any spice mixture left over add it as well. Stir to make sure everything is mixed. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes or so.

9.      Chicken: Nestle the chicken into rice mixture and cover. Place it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until chicken is done.

10.  Remove:  Pan from the oven, the handle will be hot so don’t burn yourself.

11.  Serve: You can leave in the same pan and serve or transfer to your favorite serving dish.

12.  Enjoy.